These are the best restaurants on Yas Island
Looking for the best restaurants in Yas Island? We got you. Home of Etihad Arena, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Bay Waterfront, there's a lot happening in this corner of the capital.
Whether you live close by, are visiting for the day or evening or attending a big event, Yas Island has lots of great places to eat and drink. We've made finding the best restaurants here just that little bit easier (we can't have you going hungry), rounding up the best restaurants on Yas Island.
Each of these eateries was either a winner, highly commended or shortlisted for our Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025, so you can be sure these really are the best of the best restaurants on Yas Island.
Now, let's get eating!
Best restaurants on Yas Island
Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Award 2025 Winners
Art Market
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there's no better place to enjoy it than Art Market. Using a small but mighty selection of fresh, local, ethically sourced ingredients to create some of our favourite early morning dishes, start your day with your choice of French toast with orange zest and cinnamon, organic porridge with coconut, almond butter and berries or lots of different things on toast, to name a few, enjoyed with coffee specials that will blow your socks off.
Licensed. Yas Bay, Yas Island, artmarketco.ae (052 917 1523).
Bua Thai Café
Credit: Bua Thai Café
Bua Thai Café is one of the biggest crowd-pullers on Yas Bay Waterfront, and rightly so. Founded by Chef Buaban C. Tucker, whose culinary journey started by preparing food for earthquake victims in Nepal, the menu celebrates tangy Thai tapas as well as classics like pad Thai, mango sticky rice and tom yum soup.
We're big fans of the interiors too – think lush greenery, wooden furniture and intricate artwork. This secret garden-inspired eatery is a visual delight.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, @buathaicafe (02 575 3158).
Mika
Credit: Mika
Middle Eastern meets Mediterranean cuisine at this breezy Yas Marina hotspot, which has perhaps our favourite terrace on the island. Casual yet contemporary with a menu that celebrates bold flavours, the food here aims to please with the likes of cod croquettes, pan-fried prawns, lamb and tuna tacos, octopus and calamari.
Head chef Mario Loi is also passionate about sustainability – he grows herbs and vegetables for his dishes in the chef's garden next to the main restaurant – which is also evident in his zero-waste policy.
Licensed. Yas Marina, Yas Island mika.ae (056 433 1422).
Nuri
Credit: NURI Grill & Bar
Perhaps the finest Korean restaurant in town for you to salivate over, Nuri is a sizzling Korean steakhouse that offers prime cuts of meat, chic interiors, a stylish bar and even karaoke rooms where you can sing to your heart's content after a few mixed drinks.
Before that you'll want to get stuck into its highest quality, and ethically-raised, cuts of meat, with an emphasis on wet-ageing to really make the meat stand out from the crowd. Order à la carte or opt for the omakase menu which will leave the selection up to the chefs. The choice is yours.
Licensed. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, @nurigrillbar (054 211 5151).
Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards – Highly Commended
Barbossa
Credit: Barbossa
If endless views, tacos and Mexican mixed drinks sound like your definition of heaven then you've come to the right place at Barbossa.
Spearheaded by Chef Mina Mouris Zaki, this street food spot has taken over the space formerly occupied by La Carnita, bringing modern Mexican and Latin American cuisine to the capital through authentic highlights like Barbossa ceviche, carne asada tacos, guac & chips, fajitas and tuna ceviche tostada. It's got a lively bar scene too, so be sure to stick around for a drink.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, @barbossa_auh (050 185 8068).
Crafty Fox
There are many reasons to raise a glass to Crafty Fox. Not only does this Dubai import boast a bespoke beverage menu with plenty of new and old-world grape labels, draft hops and signature mixed drinks, but you can also tuck into Irish comfort food at its finest, with classics like the cottage pie, fish and chips and loaded flatbreads all gracing the menu.
And did we mention those amazing 360-degree views of the putting green? With plenty of big screens, it's also a great place to watch the footie, which begs the question – is there anything this place can't do?
Licensed. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, @craftyfox.yaslinks (02 404 3081).
Garage
Abu Dhabi's premier party brunch, put on your swishiest dress and head over to the W Abu Dhabi for its award-winning B.I.G Brunch at Garage, which is all about stylish patrons, free-flowing drinks and incredible tunes.
Oh, and of course, there's some food thrown in for good measure, with five culinary hubs serving food from around the world, including a mezze spread, exciting Asian flavours, and premium meat cuts from the Vault. This is a brunch that's also about the vibes though, so expect DJs pumping out all your favourite tunes.
This weekend is all about F1 though so unless you have a reservation, you'll have to bookmark for another time.
Licensed. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, marriott.com (02 656 0000).
Maxzi The Good Food Shop
If you only order one thing at Maxzi The Good Food Shop, make sure it's the bona fide, utterly brilliant maxzimum meat lover burger with a Wagyu patty, slow-cooked brisket, and crispy beef bacon. While it might not be solely a burger joint, this place does some of the best in the business, with an assortment of starchy sides that make for the perfect complement. What more could you ask for?
Unlicensed. Yas Mall, maxzi.ae (056 996 6540).
Mr Kim
Credit: Mr Kim
The perfect spot to grab something delicious before a show at Etihad Arena or after an action-packed day at Yas Island's many theme parks, Mr Kim is Yas Mall's first fully licensed restaurant, so it's already off to a great start.
This very cool Korean restaurant, founded by Emirati entrepreneur Mohamed Juma Al Bawardi Alfalasi, brings innovative foodie fusions to a fun, industrial-chic setting. Specialising in steak, it's a bit of a no-brainer why this is such a popular dining spot with its selection of fine Wagyu cuts – from the impeccable Japanese A5, Australian MB9+ to the robust USDA prime.
Licensed. Yas Mall, @mrkim.ae (052 443 9314).
Siddharta Lounge by Buddha-Bar
Overlooking the twinkling waters of Yas Bay, this swanky rooftop bar is one of the best places to head for drinks and bar bites with a cool crowd and fantastic views.
Part of the Trilogy by Buddha-Bar, bar snacks here err on the fancy side, with sushi, ceviche and maki taking pride of place on the Mediterranean-Asian fusion menu, and taste even better against unobstructed views of Abu Dhabi's sunsets. Arrive early and stay late for when the party really kicks in.
Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, thetrilogybybuddhabar.com (050 601 1194).
Soraya
From the creators of London's top dining spots like Pachamama comes Soraya, a Persian-inspired restaurant that's located at Yas Mall.
Here, you can try incredible high-end Persian dishes like juicy skewers of marinated meats and vegetables that'll whisk you away to the vibrant streets of Tehran. Soraya's all-day menu is made for communal feasting, so head down with the whole gang and enjoy dishes that blend traditional home-cooked flavours with an undeniably cool modern twist.
Unlicensed.Yas Mall Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, sorayarestaurant.com (056 509 0504).
Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025 – Shortlisted
Acres Grill House, Yas Acres
Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant, Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
Boo Burger, Yas Mall
Bushra by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront
Daikan Izakaya, Yas Bay Waterfront
EL&N London, Yas Bay Waterfront
Hanar, Yas Bay Waterfront
Hunter & Barrel, Yas Bay Waterfront
Maria Bonita Taco Shop & Grill, Yas Mall
McCafferty's, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Neighborhood Café and Bar, Yas Creative Hub
Osmo Lounge & Bar, Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Pappas Taverna, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Paradiso, Yas Bay Waterfront
Rangoli, Yas Island Rotana
Reach, Yas Island
SLRP Ramen, Yas Mall
Zeera by Buddha-Bar, Yas Bay Waterfront
You might also like…
The Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards shortlist revealed – in full
All the top places in one read
Inside the Time Out Abu Dhabi review process
Everything you need to know
Everything you need to know about the best restaurants in the city
Prepare to be hungry
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Broadcast Pro
11 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
CJ ENM partners with Shahid to launch premium Korean dramas in MENA
The agreement will bring 20 top Korean series from CJ ENM's catalogue to Shahid. Korean entertainment company CJ ENM has announced a content partnership with Arabic streaming platform Shahid. The agreement marks CJ ENM's first major entry into the MENA streaming market, aligning with the company's ongoing strategy to expand its global footprint, according to a report by Variety. As part of the deal, 20 of CJ ENM's top Korean series will be available on Shahid starting June 19. This content rollout aims to introduce the region's audiences to a wide range of Korean storytelling, from romantic comedies and psychological thrillers to fantasy and crime dramas. The lineup includes acclaimed series such as What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, Lovely Runner, Mouse, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, Another Miss Oh, Her Private Life, Search: WWW, My Lovely Liar, Hotel Del Luna, Doom at Your Service and Flower of Evil. Sebastian Kim, Vice President of International Content Business at CJ ENM, highlighted the global resonance of Korean dramas, noting their cinematic quality, emotional depth, and universal themes. 'Our drama series have won the hearts of global audiences by capturing human emotions through compelling storytelling,' he said. 'Partnering with Shahid gives us an opportunity to reach a whole new audience and further drive the K-culture wave in the MENA region.' The launch coincides with CJ ENM's 30th anniversary and follows other international efforts, including a recent deal with Mexico's Imagen Televisión for a Korean drama primetime slot and multiple nominations at the Banff Rockie Awards. Tarek Alibrahim, General Manager of MBC1 and MBC Drama and General Manager of Content at Shahid, added: 'Korean dramas have built a massive global following, and we're thrilled to become the home for CJ ENM's top titles in the region. This partnership signals a new era for K-content in MENA and reinforces our mission to deliver rich, world-class entertainment to our audience.' The collaboration not only strengthens CJ ENM's global presence but also positions Shahid as a key platform for introducing premium Korean content to Arabic-speaking viewers across the region.
Broadcast Pro
17 hours ago
- Broadcast Pro
Korean Film Festival returns to UAE for ninth edition
This year's event is centered around the theme of music, highlighting how sound and storytelling combine to create powerful cinematic experiences. The Korean Film Festival is back for its ninth edition, with screenings set to take place at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai. This year's festival places a spotlight on music, exploring how sound and storytelling come together to create emotionally powerful cinematic experiences. Alongside the curated selection of Korean films, audiences will also enjoy two special K-Movie OST (Original Soundtrack) live concerts, featuring reimagined music from some of South Korea's most iconic films. The festival's opening film is Bong Joon-ho's Parasite, the Oscar-winning Best Picture that follows a poor family as they cunningly embed themselves into the lives of a wealthy household. Other highlights include C'est Si Bon, a romantic drama set in the 1960s Seoul music scene; Secret: Untold Melody, a psychological thriller directed by Seo You-min; My Beautiful Girl, Mari, a coming-of-age animated fantasy; and Jaurim, The Wonderland, a documentary celebrating the legacy of South Korean rock band Jaurim, with a special Q&A session with the director in Abu Dhabi. Audiences will also see Dog Days, an ensemble film about human-dog relationships in Seoul, and A Tale of Two Sisters, a psychological horror steeped in Korean folklore. The festival will close with The Host, Bong Joon-ho's monster movie classic about a mutated creature that terrorizes Seoul. As part of the festival's emphasis on cultural exchange and regional collaboration, a special screening of six Arab Film Studio titles will take place on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. This segment, presented in partnership with the Creative Media Authority, includes Sound of Memories by Gargi Chakrabarti, The First Note by Laith AlRamahi, and I See a Woman by Laura Saab. Adding a unique musical dimension to the event, the Choi Yeowan Group will headline two OST concerts in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Known for blending traditional Korean vocal styles with contemporary sounds, the ensemble will perform new interpretations of film music from classics like Parasite, My Sassy Girl, 200 Pounds Beauty and The Host. Lee Yong-hee, director of the Korean Cultural Centre in the UAE, expressed pride in the festival's continued evolution, noting its expanded programming and deeper engagement with local audiences. 'This year, we are proud to expand that engagement even further, by introducing a special Arab film showcase and hosting live K-Movie OST concerts for the first time. These additions reflect our commitment to deeper cultural exchange and creating shared experiences through film and music,' he said.
What's On
20 hours ago
- What's On
Eugène Eugène is the chic indoor garden escape you need this summer - What's On
Looking to beat the heat while enjoying great food and beautiful vibes? Eugène Eugène, Dubai's coolest hidden gem, is where you need to be Tucked away on the second floor of Kempinski Hotel at Mall of the Emirates, this lush, indoor garden restaurant is the breezy escape your social calendar needs. With hanging greenery, soft daylight, and the serene charm of a French greenhouse, Eugène Eugène offers you all the alfresco feels. The menu: French, fresh, and très chic From salmon tartare and foie gras terrine to a truffle artichoke spinach salad and crunchy seabass, every plate is light, seasonal, and full of that effortless French flair. And if you're feeling classic? Don't skip the bavette à l'échalote — simple, juicy perfection. Midday must: business lunch Weekday warriors, take note. Eugène Eugène is also a hotspot for refined business lunches, with set menus from just Dhs105. It's the perfect excuse to take that meeting out of the office (and into the greenhouse). Mark Your Calendars Friday, July 4 : Kick back with live music and dinner in a stunning, lush setting that'll soothe your senses. This is an unmissable experience, as the live music takes place only once a month. Sunday, July 13: Celebrate Bastille Day Brunch in style. Three-hour packages start at Dhs325, with food, vibes, and liberté for all. So whether you're brunching, lunching, or simply lounging, Eugène Eugène is your go-to garden party this summer. Eugène Eugène, Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, daily from 12pm to 11.30pm, business lunch served Mon to Fri, 12pm to 4pm, Tel: (0) 4 379 8963, book@ Images: Supplied
